very long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very long time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extended duration of time, often implying that it feels significant or noteworthy. Example: "I haven't seen her in a very long time, and I miss our conversations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A very long time.

The New York Times

That's a very long time".

The New York Times

A very long time indeed.

The New Yorker

He waited for a very long time.

The New Yorker

They last for a very long time.

The New York Times

Production took a very long time.

The New York Times

"It's a very long time now.

The New York Times

"That's waiting a very long time".

The New York Times

The process takes a very long time.

The New York Times - Arts

Not for a very long time".

The New York Times

"It's been a very long time".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very long time", consider the context. For more formal writing, alternatives like "extended duration" or "considerable period" might be more appropriate. In informal settings, "ages" or "a long while" can add a more relaxed tone.

Common error

Avoid using "very long time" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "extended duration" or describing the time specifically (e.g., "several decades") to maintain reader engagement and writing impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very long time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or entire clauses to specify duration. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it indicates the length of an action, state, or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very long time" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote an extended duration. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain settings. Its frequent appearance in news and media sources indicates its accessibility and general usage, while the related phrases offer options for varying expression. The writing guidance emphasizes avoiding overuse and considering the specific tone required for different situations. Overall, "very long time" is a reliable and versatile phrase for expressing duration, with numerous examples available through Ludwig to guide its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended duration

Focuses on the duration aspect, replacing "time" with a more formal term.

a long while

A slightly less formal alternative using "while" instead of "time".

considerable period

Emphasizes the significance of the length of the time involved.

a significant duration

Highlights the importance and length of the time.

protracted period

Highlights the drawn-out nature of the time.

a vast expanse of time

Emphasizes the immensity and scope of the temporal duration.

lengthy interval

Replaces "time" with a more specific term indicating a gap between events.

a good while

An informal way to express duration, suggesting a considerable but indefinite length of time.

ages

A more informal way to express a very long time.

an eternity

Emphasizes the seemingly endless nature of the time.

FAQs

How can I use "very long time" in a sentence?

You can use "very long time" to describe an extended period. For example, "I haven't seen my family in a "very long time"."

What can I say instead of "very long time"?

You can use alternatives like "extended duration", "considerable period", or "lengthy interval" depending on the context.

Is "very long time" formal or informal?

"Very long time" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for most everyday conversations. For formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "protracted period" or "significant duration".

What's the difference between "a long time" and "very long time"?

While both refer to extended durations, ""very long time"" intensifies the length, implying a more significant or noticeable period than simply "a long time".